iPhone 3G SIM unlock demoed on video, zero details given

We've already seen the iPhone 3G got unlocked to function on any carrier (and you can already buy unlocked versions in several countries), but we haven't seen a locked handset get unlocked via software only, and the folks at gsmphone-unlocking have the first video we've seen of Steve's newest baby doing the SIM swap dance without any adapters. Yep, there it is, going from Rogers to Fido. Sadly, the video is more of a shameless ploy for publicity than actually useful information, and until we're told otherwise, we're just going to assume that they've just gotten hold of an early copy of the Dev Team's unlocking tool -- which should be free to the public sometime soon. So, you know: video after the break, but feel free to ignore the obnoxious phone numbers and URLs.

Raleigh, NC's WRAL testing MPH mobile DTV system

Although Raleigh, North Carolina is set to become one of the first DVB-SH test markets in America, WRAL is already testing out yet another standard. The station known nationwide for taking its local newscasts to the world of HD while everyone else sat and moped in their SD control rooms is currently teaming with CBC in order to test out the ATSC-compatible MPH mobile television transmission system. As we've seen before, the system enables "local broadcasters to deliver digital television to mobile devices including cellphones, laptops and personal media players," all while moving quickly in vehicles, hoverboards, rocket-powered scooters -- you name it. There's no word on what exactly will happen once the trials conclude, but we'll be keeping an ear to the ground just in case it's something big

BlackBerry KickStart 8220 gets really early review

The Bold is still stealing the overwhelming majority of RIM's spotlight at the moment for a handful of pretty good reasons: one, it's actually been announced; two, it's 3G; and three, it falls in line with the traditional (and loved) BlackBerry form factor. Lurking in the shadows, though, is the KickStart, RIM's very first flip phone, and a device that could end up making a huge splash if it actually manages to launch at the sub-$50 price point that's been making the rounds on the rumor circuit. CrackBerry got a way-early peek at the 8220 version of the device, which follows RIM's typical naming convention by packing WiFi while an 8210 will hold up the GPS side of things (seriously, RIM, how hard can it be to do both?), and overall it seems that the R&D team did its homework from the quick impressions. The SureType keyboard is huge and apparently quite easy to use without making the phone excessively large, though the trackball rests deeper in the shell making it a bit trickier to operate -- you win some, you lose some. The QVGA display is said to be just shy of Bold quality (which is a compliment, considering the killer screen on the Bold), and it's always hard to argue with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Come on, T-Mobile, let's make this happen.

Windows iPhone 3G jailbreak tool released

Sure, it was already possible (if complicated) to jailbreak a first-gen iPhone running the 2.0 software under Windows, but this is the one-click tool all you crazy cats with those extra G's need if you don't have a Mac -- too bad no one's come up with a better name than "pwn" yet. Please, people. Let's do better

What cell phones work where?

Several readers have various questions related to cell phone networks and carriers. We take an in-depth look to come up with some answers.

AT&T Wireless

AT&T Wireless owns and operates a GSM 850/1900 MHz network. The safest way for AT&T customers to buy unlocked phones, is by choosing phones that are supporting both frequencies. AT&T's 3G network operates on the same frequencies. In addition, AT&T has licensed portions of the 1700 MHz frequency (AWS spectrum), which will likely be used to enhance its 3G capacity in certain areas.


* Coverage map
* AT&T phones
* Unlocked GSM 850/1900 MHz phones
* Unlocked 3G 850/1900 MHz phones

T-Mobile

T-Mobile USA owns a GSM network operating on the 1900 MHz frequency. To further enhance its network coverage, the carrier is also seamlessly using AT&T Wireless' 850 MHz frequency when their own network is not within reach. Since most European handsets are supporting GSM 1900 MHz, T-Mobile USA's customers can pretty much choose from any European handsets available via online retailers like Amazon. Just make sure to check out T-Mobile's coverage map first, which distinguishes T-Mobile's 1900 MHz coverage from the 850 MHz roaming. T-Mobile does currently not offer 3G, but a network is currently being deployed on the 1700 MHz frequency (AWS spectrum).


* Coverage map
* T-Mobile phones
* Unlocked 1900 MHz phones

Sprint

Sprint owns and operates a CDMA network operating on 800 and 1900 MHz frequencies. Only phones that are originally purchased with a Sprint subscription will work on this network. In order for a Sprint phone to for instance work on Verizon Wireless' network, the phone would need to be flashed with firmware from Verizon Wireless and tested on Verizon Wireless' network. Sprint uses the 2100 MHz frequency for its EV-DO data services, and is currently also deploying a Mobile WiMAX network on the 2500 MHz frequency.


* Coverage map
* Sprint phones

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates a CDMA network operating on 800 and 1900 MHz frequencies. Only phones that are originally purchased with a Verizon Wireless subscription will work on this network. In order for a Verizon Wireless phone to for instance work on Sprint's network, the phone would need to be flashed with firmware from Sprint and tested on Sprint's network. Verizon Wireless uses the 2100 MHz frequency for its EV-DO data services, and will soon begin trials for its 4G network to operate on the 700 MHz frequency.


* Coverage map
* Verizon Wireless phones